What comes to mind when you hear the words physical activity? If you are like many, your thoughts may race to images of gym memberships, confusing workout equipment and intimidating classes. Yet, this does not have to be the case. Physical activity can be fun, simple, and with a little planning easy to fit into your daily routine. Soghra Jarvandi, Assistant Professor with UT Extension, says adults should strive to begin or maintain a physically active lifestyle. “Adults should work toward at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, which is about 30 minutes of physical activity five times per week. That’s the recommendation listed in the most recent Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans by the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion,” states Jarvandi. “This activity can be anything you enjoy doing, and it does not have to involve any special equipment or gym memberships.” If you are not ready to take on 30 minutes of physical activity, five times per week, don’t worry. According to Christopher Sneed, a Family and Consumer Sciences Specialist with UT Extension, it is okay to start small and work toward a longer-term goal of meeting the physical activity guidelines. “To get started”, reiterates Sneed, “you can begin to think of ways to incorporate physical activity into your day whether at home, at work or at play.”
Jarvandi and Sneed offer these simple suggestions to get you started:
At Home: • Exercise while watching television. • Use chores as a way to move more – clean the house or wash the car. • Walk the dog – don’t just watch the dog walk. • Play with the kids – splash in a puddle, dance, toss a softball or kick around a soccer ball. • Push the baby stroller.
UT Extension, Smith County offers a variety of physical activity programs, such as Walk with Ease, Matter of Balance, Walk Across Tennessee, Yoga for Kids, Chair Volleyball, and coming up in May-May Marathon Month! If you are in any of these physical activity programs, contact Mary Parker Draper at the Extension Office at 615-735-2900.
Regular physical activity controls weight, reduces the risk of health conditions and diseases, improves mood, boosts energy, and improves sleep quality. Move! It matters!
Microwave Potatoes
Sliced potatoes
Onions (1/4 cup) or 1 teaspoon onion powder
All-seasoning salt
2 Tablespoons butter
Peel and slice enough potatoes to fill a 2-quart Pyrex dish. I use a square Pyrex dish. Put sliced potatoes in dish and add chopped onions or onion powder. Sprinkle with all-seasoning salt (I use Morton Season-All) on top. Stir. Slice butter into small pieces over the top and cover with Saran Wrap. Microwave for 12-15 minutes or until tender.
Submitted by: Karen Hubbard, Carthage FCE Club.
